This is an odd pairing, but more power to locals Work Drugs for getting hooked up with an opening slot for the SOLD OUT Umphrey’s McGee show at the Electric Factory tonight. In fact, the smooth-fi crew is doing a weekend run of Boston, Philly and Baltimore with the popular jam band outfit from Chicago. They’ll also have new female vocalist who just joined the band at their side. Hopefully Work Drugs will be able to get all their friends and fans into the spacious backstage at the E Factory. It’s a party y’all so don’t forget your hippie drugs (and hula hoops)! Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th St., 8:30pm, $25 + fees (SOLD OUT), All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

Don’t miss a new installation of John Vettese’s “Still Life” (a series dedicated to showcasing experimental/ambient music) tonight in the Side Chapel of the First Unitarian Church! Philly’s own Northern Valentine will be performing this evening with their dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes that manage to travel “the spectrum between tranquil and massive” while being cerebral yet full of heart. They’ll also be bringing video projectors into the mix, which will be the first for the experimental showcase. Joining Northern Valentine will be the debut of South Jersey’s Endor Endor, a new instrumental project from Tom Ryan (Young Statues, the Atomic Square, It’s a King Thing, etc.), and Baltimore duo (that sound more like a six-piece) The Water. So “turn on, tune in, and drop out.” First Unitarian Church – Side Chapel, 2125 Chestnut St., 8pm, $8, All Ages – Q.D. Tran

South Philly’s Rajesh Haldar a.k.a Lushlife has consistently proven why he is a force to be reckoned with in both the city’s hip hop and indie scenes. Sure, plenty of hip hop artists rhyme over indie samples nowadays, but Lushlife’s approach to this concept is what sets him apart. His music is so eclectic that everyone from hardcore hip hop heads to the hippest indie fans can find something to enjoy. The groundbreaking emcee/producer combines his raspy, Nas-influenced vocal delivery with the indie sounds of artists like Fleet Foxes, Brown Recluse, RYAT and Clams Casino and features Roots’ affiliates STS and Dice Raw for a truly unique sound on his latest mixtape No More Golden Days. On the follow-up to his sophomore album Cassette City, Haldar takes these influences to impressive new heights, which has brought the performer some well-deserved critical acclaim and attention in the blogosphere. When the mixtape was released back in October, its lead single “She’s a Buddhist, I’m a Cubist,” which features a guest verse from up-and-coming Memphis emcee Cities Aviv, was a featured track on Pitchfork. Later that month, No More Golden Days was the mixtape of the week for October 26th on Stereogum, where it beat out tapes from more well-known artists like Waka Flocka Flame and Philly’s own Freeway. Lushlife also received some hometown love when his latest offering was featured as our November Album of the Month (you can check out the review HERE), and it made #4 on Q.D. Tran’s Best Local Albums of 2011 List. 2012 is already starting off more promising than last year with his recent signing to Western Vinyl and the announcement of his new album Plateau Vision (due out in April). Hometown fans can come experience Lushlife’s impressive one-man show this February 15th at Union Transfer. – Dan Brightcliffe

Here’s a new music video from Chiddy Bang for the track “By Your Side” that gives a little hometown love. The song does not appear on their forthcoming album Breakfast (due out Feb. 28), but they made this video “for the fans.” It was directed by Xaphoon Jones.

Northeast Philly’s Power Animal a.k.a. Keith Hampson will be performing at the First Unitarian Church tonight. Though Hampson’s project has gone through many changes in the past year or so, no longer surrounded by a percussive and strangely endearing gang of misfits. What still lies at the root of his music that you’ve grown to know and love along with the rest of us is the ingenious experimental production work by Hampson coupled with his speak-sing vocals that give an intimate insight into an artist constantly struggling to find a balance within himself and the world around him. It’s very humanistic, and what probably draws you in and allows for your guard to be put down for a moment to truly experience the music of Power Animal. Now, that’s some pretty powerful stuff, and one reason why you should come out this evening and show your support to such a unique performer. And it doesn’t hurt that Hampson is a good dude trying to make the world a better place through his music and his charitable non-profit label Human Kindness Overflowing. You’ll also be treated to an interesting lineup of experimental acts when Power Animal opens for This Will Destroy You, Mountains and Amen Dunes. It’s a win-win situation. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8pm, $12, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

Below is a new song and video from Busses called “Radio.” It was recorded at the previous session that produced their video “Liar” from last year. The footage was filmed and edited by Joshua Camerote, audio was recorded by Jason Sexton, and the mural installation was provided by Bonnie Brenda Scott. Scott Soden also helped out drummer Nick Apice with the trippy visual images. You can expect an EP release and plenty of live dates coming this spring from the band.

Radio (live) from Busses

For a band that’s only a little over a year old, Psychic Teens is making a lot of headway in the local music scene. When we first discovered their debut tracks “YUNG” and “CbbK,” it was no-brainer to feature them in our “What’s This?” column. They then went on to win our Featured Artist(s) Poll in August (you can read our interview HERE). The power trio (made up of guitarist/vocalist Larry Ragone, bassist Joe Decarolis, and drummer Dave Cherasaro) eventually released their 7-track debut LP, Teens, in October via Golden Voyage Records to positive blogosphere buzz, put out the rad 3-song video collection “Tapes” on VHS for Video/Horror/Show (also available through Aquarius Records), and revealed the drug-induced, retro-fitted video for “Dose” from Teens. But it’s hard not to take notice of a band whose sonic personality involves aphotic renderings of post-punk noise slinking through no-wave sludge set beneath goth-wave monotone chants. In other words: TOO BADASS TO IGNORE. (Photo by John Berry) – Annamarya Scaccia

The Ground Up crew is back with a new music video for the track “Overboard,” and they’ve joined forces with fellow Philly native Young Chris. The jam will appear on their upcoming mixtape The Get Up, which will be available March 6. The video was directed and edited by Perpetual Pictures (Calvin Scibilia and Matthew Weslosky). Enjoy!

An era comes to a close tonight as Tritone hosts its final Balkan Dance Party tonight. And West Philadelphia Orchestra are sure to bring the house down when they end their nearly five year tradition of playing within the classic red-walled venue. WPO’s monthly dance party will continue on at an as of now undisclosed venue (judging from a poll on their Facebook page it looks like Teri’s in South Philly could be the frontrunner), and the band will likely be announcing where tonight. While the traditional Eastern European folk orchestra is enough of a big deal to perform on stages like The Troc and Johnny Brenda’s, the smaller venues are where they deliver their best celebratory sets. So make your way down to Tritone tonight and have a few specials while you still can! Tritone, 1508 South St., 10pm, $5, 21+ – Bill McThrill